Bone loss begins gradually in early adulthood and continues to get more serious as we age. In women, after the age of 50, hormonal changes occur due to menopause and a drop in estrogen levels. This causes bones that naturally lose mass to become even more brittle.

Men & Bone Health

There is thought to be a connection between bone loss in men and low testosterone. Some doctors actually prescribe testosterone replacement in order to build bone in men and believe there is also a role to estrogen conversion that may be important as well.

What Can Be Done

Exercise - Exercise is important for bone health. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running and weight training are the best.

Watch what you drink - Limit carbonated beverages and alcohol intake.

Monitor use of certain medications -These may include corticosteroids and anticonvulsants.

Don’t smoke - Smoking increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Vitamin & Mineral Needs

Calcium

Calcium can help in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

It is the foundation for the development of new bone growth and occurs every day in our lives. Just as we shed other cells, our body replaces old bone with new bone regularly. As we grow however, we lose bone more quickly than we can replace it. Calcium supplements can help slow the loss of bone.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also critical to healthy bones and can be taken alone or as part of a calcium supplement. Although it can be obtained from the sun and is added to milk in the U.S., some individuals require vitamin D as a dietary supplement for bone health.